Senior Buyer | UK Fusion Energy | STEP Fusion Programme

Senior Buyer | UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) | STEP Programme | West Burton, Nottinghamshire
-44,290 + Bonus + Outstanding Defined Benefit Pension

Hybrid Working | Minimum 3 Days Per Week On Site

Help Build The Commercial Foundations Of The UK''s Fusion Energy Future

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) is delivering STEP, the programme established to create the world''s first prototype fusion power plant. Bringing together government, industry and world-leading expertise, the programme is laying the foundations for a future fusion energy sector in the UK. As UKFE continues to grow, procurement plays a critical role in ensuring the right suppliers, partnerships and commercial frameworks are in place to support delivery. This is an opportunity to join at a formative stage and influence how a nationally significant programme engages with the market, manages commercial risk and develops its supply chain strategy.

The Role
Working as part of UKFE''s Commercial Function, you''ll support complex procurement activity across a diverse portfolio of requirements, helping shape sourcing strategies, engage the market and deliver robust commercial outcomes.

This is far more than a transactional buying role.

You''ll work with senior stakeholders across the organisation, helping to navigate commercial challenges, support strategic decision-making and ensure procurement activity is delivered within a robust governance framework.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex procurement and sourcing activities
• Developing procurement and category strategies
• Managing supplier engagement and market interactions
• Supporting major commercial and procurement decisions
• Ensuring compliance with Procurement Act 2023 and associated governance requirements
• Building effective relationships across internal and external stakeholder groups
• Supporting commercial assurance and procurement best practice
• Contributing to the development of supplier and partnership strategies
• Managing procurement risk within a complex programme environment

What We''re Looking For
We''re interested in procurement professionals who combine strong commercial judgement with the ability to influence stakeholders and operate effectively within a complex, highly regulated environment.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience within procurement, commercial or contract management roles
• Experience supporting major programmes, portfolios or complex procurement activities
• Strong understanding of Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), governance and assurance requirements
• The ability to influence stakeholders and support strategic decision-making
• Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building capability
• Experience managing commercial risk and balancing competing priorities
• Confidence in operating in environments characterised by complexity and continual change

Professional accreditation such as CIPS, or a commitment to working towards a recognised commercial qualification, would be advantageous.

Backgrounds That Could Be Relevant
We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience in:

• Public Sector
• Nuclear
• Defence
• Energy
• Utilities
• Engineering
• Infrastructure
• Transport
• Aerospace
• Other regulated industries

Typical job titles may include:

• Senior Buyer
• Procurement Manager
• Senior Procurement Manager
• Category Manager
• Strategic Sourcing Lead
• Procurement Business Partner
• Commercial & Procurement Manager
• Procurement Lead

Why Join UKFE?

The most exciting part of this opportunity isn''t where the programme is today. It''s where it''s going. The procurement strategies, commercial frameworks and supplier relationships being established now will help shape the future direction of the programme for years to come.

Joining at this stage provides a rare opportunity to influence a nationally significant programme whilst building your own career within an organisation expected to grow substantially as STEP progresses. Alongside a highly competitive package and outstanding pension scheme, you''ll gain exposure to complex procurement challenges, strategic commercial decision-making and one of the most ambitious programmes currently underway in the UK. Above all, you''ll be helping build the partnerships and supply chains that could support the future of fusion energy.

Package

• -44,290 basic salary
• Corporate bonus scheme
• Outstanding defined benefit pension
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities

Interested?

If you''re looking for a procurement role with genuine purpose, strategic influence and the opportunity to contribute to something truly significant, I''d be delighted to tell you more.

Contact Will Taylor at Hays in Lincoln for a confidential discussion and full briefing on the role, team and future opportunities within UK Fusion Energy.

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